failure to function

a person is considered abnormal if they are unable to cope with the demands of everyday life.  They may be unable to perform the behaviors necessary for day-to-day living e.g. self-care, hold down a job, interact meaningfully with others, make themselves understood etc.  Rosenhan & Seligman (1989) suggestthe following characteristics that define failure to function adequately:

o Suffering

o Maladaptiveness (danger to self)

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